Why does the date of Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr change each year?

This year, Ramadan started on April 2, and will continue until May 1. But what does Ramadan mean for practising Muslims, and why does the start date change every year?

The holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar, as it is believed that the Qu’ran — the main scripture for Islam — was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during that time.

Ramadan is associated with Sawm, the Arabic word for ‘fasting,’ and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

During Ramadan, practising Muslims fast — not drinking or eating anything — from sunrise to sunset, and also refrain from other ‘haram’ (sinful) acts like drinking, smoking, or gossiping during this time.

People who are unwell, chronically ill, pregnant, on their period, elderly, breastfeeding, or travelling are all exempt from fasting.

Ahead of a full day of fasting, in the early hours of the morning, Muslims eat a meal known as suhoor. Then, at dusk, Muslims break their daily fast with a meal known as iftar.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is often considered one of the holiest months of the year.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar (moon) cycles, which means the exact date of Ramadan and its subsequent celebration festival — Eid Al-Fitr — is subject to change.

Consequently, Ramadan only begins when the new Moon is sighted in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This is a place of great significance for Muslims, as this is believed to be Prophet Mohammed’s workplace.

In turn, once the new Moon is sighted, Ramadan and lasts 29-30 days. The end of Ramadan depends on when the next new Moon is seen.

As explained on the website for charity MuslimAid, ‘the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the Holy month of Ramadan falls approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.’

According to MuslimAid, Eid Al-Fitr, the festival to mark the end of the fasting period, will occur on either May 2 or May 3 this year. Eid Al-Fitr festivities always last one day.

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